MassHire North Shore Career Center Deputy Director Eliud Alcala was honored at the statewide “MassHire Awards” at the State House on 11/19/25. The event was hosted by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, the MA Department of Career Services, and the Masshire State Workforce Board.
The event recognized local workforce leaders for their efforts in supporting job seekers and employers- demonstrating innovation, mentorship, emerging leadership, and the Spirit of MassHire’s values. Eliud was honored with the “Spirit of MassHire” award, and other categories included Jobseeker Collaboration, Business Collaboration, Modernization and Innovation, Emerging Leaders, and Mentor and System Steward Awards.
Eliud was nominated due to his hard work and dedication to MassHire- Eliud exemplifies the very essence of MassHire’s vision: fostering a better future for the people and businesses of Massachusetts through meaningful work and sustainable growth. His daily commitment to connecting job seekers with opportunity and employers with talent is not just a job—it is a mission he embraces with heart, integrity, and purpose. Known in and around the communities of the North Shore as a kind, respectful, and proactive person, Eliud is dedicated to helping people. He interacts with customers daily and due to his focused, intentional, and caring demeanor—a demeanor that is no different when speaking with an employer, elected official, or any community member that he meets—people connect with him because they know he cares. In his role with MassHire, Eliud consistently demonstrates a profound understanding of the diverse needs and professional aspirations of those we serve. Whether guiding a young adult toward a first job or helping a seasoned professional navigate a career transition, Eliud ensures that every individual feels seen, supported, and empowered. His efforts have not only improved outcomes for our customers but have also elevated the standards of our MassHire team. In today’s world it is easy to lose sight of the bigger picture; Eliud remains grounded in working for the greater good. His leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication make him a fitting recipient of this award given in honor of the late David Gadaire, former MassHire Director and visionary leader in Massachusetts and his community. Through his work with MassHire, Eliud embodies many of David’s strengths, including his commitment, warmth, and humor.
Eliud’s innovative nature has been instrumental in creating new programming over the past few years. MassHire has benefitted from Eliud’s creative ideas such as a “Career Center on the Go!” which has staff (Career Coaching Advocates, Business Services Representative, and others) meeting with job seekers out in the community at non-profits and other community agencies where the customers are located. This approach of meeting customers in the community has been incredibly effective and embodies the very essence of MassHire.
Eliud has also initiated Morning Coffees with the Chambers this past summer, organizing networking sessions at several local area chambers which allowed MassHire staff to engage with local area businesses and continue our outreach to employers during a time of year which is typically seen as a slow-down period.
Another new and successful program is the Partner Orientation at the Career Center in which Eliud has organized a monthly information session at the Career Center in Salem for local area community agencies and school groups to come in and learn about the services we can offer to their customers/ clients. This has proven very successful and continues to open doors (literally) to north shore residents who might not have heard about MassHire through traditional marketing means.
In addition to Eliud’s MassHire responsibilities, he is an active member of the north shore community. He holds leadership/volunteer roles at the following organizations:
- North Shore Latino Business Coalition – Board Member
- Lynn Community Health Center – Board Member
- Neighbor to Neighbor-Board Member
- House of Seven Gables – Teacher, citizenship classes on Thursday nights
Eliud contributes to the long-term goals of Masshire North Shore in several ways – most notably in his commitment (to the work of getting people employed), warmth (to treating everyone with true respect), and humor (finding joy in the work and making people feel good). Eliud is the type of professional who arrives first, and leaves last every single day.
As a Salem resident, Eliud is very active in the community and a well-known face around the city. He is a talented chef and baker, a Justice of the Peace, and is very active in local politics. The MassHire North Shore team is so proud of Eliud!
